The right to extract.
WHAT TO UNDERSTAND FIRST
Minerals are owned by the state, regardless of who owns the land.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Owning or occupying land gives no right to extract minerals from it.
WHAT CONFERS THE RIGHT
A mineral title granted by the relevant authority.
WHAT TITLE TYPES TYPICALLY EXIST
Reconnaissance permits, for preliminary investigation Exploration licences, for detailed investigation Small-scale mining leases Mining leases Quarry leases Ancillary permits, such as water use
WHAT EACH PERMITS
Progressively greater rights, over defined areas and periods.
WHY THE PROGRESSION EXISTS
Rights to extract follow demonstration that a deposit exists and can be worked.
WHAT TITLES ARE GRANTED OVER
Defined areas, measured in standard units.
WHAT LIMITS TYPICALLY APPLY
Maximum area per title type Duration and renewal conditions Work obligations
WHY WORK OBLIGATIONS MATTER
Titles held without activity may be revoked.
WHAT APPLICATIONS TYPICALLY REQUIRE
Company registration documents Evidence of financial capability Evidence of technical competence, including qualified personnel A work programme or feasibility study Fees
WHY TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
A registered mining engineer or geoscientist is typically required.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE APPLYING
Whether the area is already held by someone else.
HOW
A search of the register.
WHY
Overlapping applications are refused, and buying into a disputed area is a serious loss.
WHAT TO VERIFY
Current requirements and fees, directly with the authority.
